Flights to Barcelona

If you want to sample some quintessential Catalan culture, book flights to Barcelona today and lose yourself in Spain’s most vibrant, colourful and sophisticated city. Get giddy for Gaudi and crazy for Catalan cooking, because in beautiful Barcelona you’ll have your appetite for both well and truly satisfied. The people are cool, the shopping is great, the art is everywhere, the nightlife is hopping, the food is incredible, and the city is right on the beach – frankly, we’re not sure why you’re still reading; you should be busy booking your flights already! Book flights to Barcelona with Ryanair today.

Flights from Barcelona

Much of the attraction of Barcelona is the city’s wide range of sights. The architect, the design nerd, the football fan, the art historian, the city planner—there is something for all of them in the most self-assured city on the Mediterranean. A visit to Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila and Casa Calvet is a must when visiting Barcelona.

Camp Nou

FC Barcelona is much more than just a football club. Sometimes it feels as if it carries the whole nation’s pride on its shoulders. Even those not interested in football will enjoy a visit. One reason is the large number of well-dressed spectators, another the masterful architecture of the arena.

The Bus Turistic is the offical hop on - hop off bus and probably the best way to explore the city on your own. There are one-day and two-day tickets for unlimited use on all three routes (44 stops).
Ticket prices:
Adults - 27€/35€ (1day/2days), Children - 16€/20€ (1day/2days)
Child discounts apply from 4-12 years
If you buy the tickets online in advance you will save 10%! With the printed ticket voucher you can hop on the bus right away at any stop.

The open red double deckers of Barcelona City Tour offer two routes with 35 stops close to all major tourist attractions, an audio-guide and a discount booklet. Tickets allow for unlimited use of the buses on the booked days.
Prices:
Adults - 27€/35€ (1day/2days),
Children (4 to 12 years) - 16€/20€ (1day/2days),
Seniors (+65 years) - 22€/27€ (1day/2days)
Buy the tickets online to save 10% and board the bus at any stop with the printed voucher.

If you don’t have time to visit all of Gaudi’s landmarks, be sure to see this one and the Gaudi museum. In the summer time you can also enjoy a refreshing drink on the rooftop. The decorations here must have inspired George Lucas and his Star Wars movies.

Leave the busy streets behind you for a moment and visit Barcelona’s museum of modern art. MACBA is short for Museu d´Art Contemporani de Barcelona and here you find Spanish and Catalonian art from the 20th century.

This sublime concert hall designed by Domènech i Montaner a hundred years ago is not quite as wacky as some of Gaudi’s architecture. It is actually more representative of Modernism. The Palace of Catalan Music not only pays tribute to the musical heritage of the Catalans but to all music—as well as beauty, colour and joy.

Barcelona’s most beautiful church is probably the best existing example of the Catalonian Gothic, with a cleaner style than normally associated with Gothic architecture. The church has a wonderful feeling of spaciousness and weightlessness emphasized by slender pillars and very sparsely decorated chapels.

The sharks are the stars at this Mediterranean themed aquarium, but you will be able to see almost all different kinds of water species here. L’Aquàrium is situated at the end of Las Ramblas and is very close to the city centre.

The Picasso Museum has one of the most extensive art collections by the 20th century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The permanent collections stands for more than 3,800 works and this is one of the most popular and most visited museums in Barcelona.

This is a ship museum with the largest shipyard in the world. Inside you will find reproductions of boats and maritime objects from different historic periods. They also have activities and workshops for children in the age of 3-12 years.

If you like chocolate then you should visit this delicious museum. Here you will find out the history of chocolate from the discovery of cocoa beans by the New World explorers to present time. When visiting the museum you should of course do some tastings of local varieties (hazelnut, pecan, mint etc.). They also offer workshops for children and adults.

This town, only 35 km south of Barcelona, is a popular day trip destination for the visitors of Barcelona. Come here to have a lazy day on the beach or stroll in the cosy town. You will find trendy shops, beautiful sights and delightful restaurants. If you choose to stay overnight do not miss the well-reputed nightlife.

The area of Catalonia produce more than 380 million bottles of wine and Cava per year and Barcelona plays a big part in the Catalan wine industry. From the city there are a selection of different wine tours just for a day or overnight. At vineyards not too far from the city you will have the opportunity to see how the wines are made and of course to taste them.

In this park with stunning views over the city you can admire several impeccable works of Gaudi. Actually, the entire park is designed by the artist himself. Statues and buildings in different colours and shapes stand side by side and the park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This park is situated close to the port and provides a relaxing oasis for the inhabitants and also tourists that need some greenery. Here you find sporting facilities, a lake and a waterfall, sculptures and also some important sights in the city, the Catalan Parliament building and the Barcelona Zoo for instance.

​Address: Passeig de Picasso, 21, Barcelona​Phone: +34 638 23 71 15

Gothic Quarter

Lose yourself in the narrow, winding pebbled streets in this old and historic quarter. Here are beautiful squares with charming cafés and superb restaurants so if you need to have a break there are plenty of places to choose from.

The easiest thing is to divide Barcelona’s overwhelming range of restaurants into two parts: the new and the old. Some of the world’s most modern restaurants, managed by the world’s most innovative chefs (the most famous is Ferrán Adrià) can be found here, but there is also traditional Catalonian cuisine which despite being heavy on occasion, includes very good vegetable dishes (samfaina, a kind of ratatouille, escalivada, grilled, peeled peppers, aubergines and onions espinacs a la catalan, spinach fried with garlic, pine nuts and raisins). Best known is the simple rustic pa amb tomàquet: a slice of bread with olive oil, salt and freshly crushed tomatoes.
"The new ones" in particular may be expensive, but many of the best known chefs’ apprentices have now opened their own lower-priced restaurants. Generally speaking, "the old ones" provide better value for money, although even the traditional restaurants know how to charge. You should always reserve a table in Barcelona. Dinner is not served until 21.00.

Cal Pep

Cal Pep is a very popular tapas bar and restaurant. It is best to jostle your way to the bar and let Pep himself recommend the best hors d’oeuvres. Otherwise, there are also tables and a quieter dining room further in. Offered is a mixture of traditional and innovative cooking.

At Cafè de l’Acadèmia guests can enjoy slightly updated Catalonian cuisine in an attractive open-air restaurant or in the cool, natural stone walled interior. At lunchtime it is full of officials from the adjacent Town Hall and regional government buildings.

Alchemy, something along those lines is what they do, all those Spanish chefs. Here is Jordi Villa who has been awarded for his new interpretations of Spanish classics and his own innovations—what would you say to tuna slivers on a bed of mustard foam? Book well in advance to make sure you get a seat.

Salero offers elegant fusion in an almost completely white space. A typical Salero dish is tuna with spinach and konbu, Japanese seaweed. If you decide to dine here, have an aperitif at one of the bars in the Borh district.

"The Seven Doors" has been in business since 1836, and still has its original modernism interior—dark wood and tiles. However, eating here is far from stodgy. It is usually full of people enjoying traditional Catalan cooking. Try the crema catalana, the Catalan version of crème caramel, it’s considered to be the best in Barcelona.

Sample Old Barcelona—both in terms of interior and the menu, which is rich in traditional fish and seafood dishes. Montalban, the city’s own literary commentator, crime novelist and gourmet, used to be regulars here.

Spend an evening sampling the now world famous tapas dishes. Start with some nice traditional tapas combined with modern flavour at My way, on Calle Heures 6-1. Finish at Xampanyet, on Calle Montcada 22, with the anchovy banderilla and smoked tuna with goat’s cheese.

In the middle of Montjuïc mountain, in a fully restored building, you will find the fine dining restaurant Montjuïc el Xalet. Here you can enjoy Valencian specialities as well as a magnificent view of Barcelona while surrounded by natural open spaces.

4 Gats offers delicious Catalan food and a charming atmosphere, as well as a piece of history. The restaurant was founded in 1987 by waiter Pere Romeu, inspired by “Le chat Noir” in Paris, where Romeu previously worked. Picasso’s fans will be thrilled to know that the artist used to spend much time in the 4 Gats during his youth and had his first exhibition in the great room.

Con Gracia is rather famous for their tasty "surprise menu", which contains seven courses of Mediterranean flavours with some Asian twists. It is a luxurious yet laid back restaurant boasting excellent cuisine and friendly service.

Parrilla Alfonsina claims to be an "authentic Argentinian casa de comidas" and their huge steaks sure have been appreciated. Along with your prime meat you can enjoy home made fresh pasta as well as friendly and helpful service.

Osmosis is a restaurant that prepare market cuisine, using the best products and changing their courses every week. They offer a tasting menu that is very popular and are known for high quality and excellent service.

This hidden gem will satisfy both your taste buds and eyes. In a trendy but still casual atmosphere, friendly waiters serve spectacular and delicious dishes. The philosophy of the restaurant is to make creative gastronomy from seasonal products to reasonable prices.

Restaurante Carmesí is a charming restaurant, away from the tourist districts. The décor is quite simple but the traditional Spanish food is delicious. This restaurant is most visited by locals and the prices are low.

​Address: Carrer de Blai, 28, Barcelona​Phone: +34 659 04 83 94

Barcelona’s café culture is half Italian, and comes with its own set of simple rules.
Café con leche (café amb llet in Catalan) is for breakfast, preferably with a croissant.
Mid-day, especially after a meal, the locals have an espresso, café solo (un café) or a cortado (un tallat), which is an espresso with milk. Café Americano is what some would call watered down versions of the two first coffees.
In the afternoon, or after dinner, order a café solo corto, a strong espresso, or a carajillo—a café solo with Spanish brandy.

Café Zürich

Zürich is one of Barcelona’s prime gathering spots, which makes it perfect for people watching. The kissing greetings and checking of wristwatches for that late date never seems to stop. You will be asked to settle your bill when your coffee arrives. That way, you can leave when you want.

​Address: Plaça Catalunya, 1, Barcelona​Phone: +34 933 17 91 53

Cafè de l´Òpera

The location of this café is perfect, since it is situated on one of the busiest streets in the city. La Rambla is a beautiful boulevard and many of the street merchants come here.

The Ambar Café is a restaurant and coffee bar situated next the Rambla de Rival. Whether you choose to sit on the velvet couches inside or on the outside patio to enjoy the live music nearby, this is a great experience. They serve breakfast, lunch and snacks.

This unique café is featured by the same people responsible for Museo de Cera (The Wax Museum), which by the way is right next door. This is an unusual environment, where you will be inside an enchanted forest, surrounded by fairy tale creatures such as gnomes and fairies.

Barcelona stays awake while the rest of Europe sleeps! Nightlife starts late, preferably at a bar. Spaniards believe it’s smart to eat while drinking, so most bars also serve tapas.
Barcelona’s trendy nightlife is in a constant state of change so the best advice is to ask around for the latest and greatest places, especially in fashion and record shops, or to approach people who you think might know.

Mirabé

Have a drink enjoying the city’s most expansive view from the slopes of Tibidabo. Sit down either on the terrace or behind the wall-to-wall picture windows. After the worm’s-eye view from Barri Gòtic or El Born, it can feel good to have Barcelona at your feet.

La Vinya del Senyor is still the best place to sample wine in Barcelona with its location opposite the beautiful church of Santa Maria del Mar. The open-air restaurant in the church square has a great range of good wines and an excellent tapas menu.

​Address: Plaza Santa Maria, 5, Barcelona​Phone: +34 933 103 379

Schilling

Schilling is a friendly, fairly intellectual place, close to La Rambla and Barrí Gotic. If you walk around the Barrí Gotic you will most certainly walk pass it a couple of times.

Bar Marfil claims to have the best sushi and most exclusive cocktails in the area of Paseo de Gracia. Here you are offered food, drinks and a trendy atmosphere. The bar was designed by famous interior designer Kelly Hoppen and has a sober and sensual ambience. This is the perfect spot for a drink before a night of clubbing.

Sala Apolo is made up by two different clubs, Apolo 1 and Apolo 2. Both of them offer live music by new artists in different genres until midnight and after that DJ's hit the dance floor. The place is relaxed and attracts a young crowd, mixed of tourists and locals.

If you prefer old school music, an elegant setting and a more adult crowd, Marula Café is the place to go. This large club with bars and a dance floor to let it all out on is located in the old town, a location that results in a mixed international crowd.

At Cabaret Berlin guests can revel in the mystical and magical atmosphere a cabaret brings. Red velvet sofas, mirrors and dimmed lightening and of course artists and live music in combination with DJ's and a dancing crowd, you will find it all here.

A night at this rocking club tends to leave its visitors memories of their best night ever. This is a place of fun and craziness and the guests coming here are ready for the time of their life. It features a mix of live performances and DJ's playing music, mainly rock, indie and punk.

This rock club, located in the old town close to other bars and nightclubs, has been around since 1976 and still attracts a large crowd. It features two dance floors and is open to 6 am so prepare yourself for long night out.

At BeCool the night starts with live performances by local stars or upcoming international bands to then open up the dance floor for the party people. Visual effects accompany the pumping techno on the main floor and in the Red Room, upstairs indie pop rock gather another type of crowd.

Barcelona has plenty of warm summer nights, and why go inside to dance the night away? La Terrrazza was the first club in the city to combine house music á la Ibiza with an outdoor dance floor and club. Come here to join the happy and sweaty crowd.

If jazz music is your favourite do not miss Jamboree Club at Plaça Reial. This is the city's landmark in this genre and host live performances on a regular basis. Famous musicians like Dexter Gordon, Lou Bennet and Bill Coleman have all played at the basement scene here.

Carpe Diem Lounge Club is the place to go to see and be seen. You find this busy and funky club by the beach front and here you can hang out with the party-seeking jet set audience. Private tables by the dance floor shows who has the money to spend.

Ginger Bar offers both a cocktail bar and a wine bar so whatever you prefer to drink, you find a good quality selection of it here. It is located right in the old quarter and its retro atmosphere and interior reflects the outside.

This classy bar is said to be one of the best bars in the world. Well-dressed and discreet bartenders serve perfectly made cocktails to the guests and when it comes to the Dry Martini cocktail they have made over a million of them here.

The owner of this place is a true entrepreneur. Except Semon 9 Night, that focus on a more adult clientèle in search of a fun but yet mature bar to sip a cocktail with their friends, they also run a deli shop with catering services, three restaurants and also working on establishing the brand in Madrid.

If you like your drinks fruity and exotic, head to Cocteleria Tahití. Here the drink list include Mojito and other rum-based cocktails. If you rather drink something without alcohol try one of their smoothies.

This garage-like bar is one of the most popular places to stop at for a glass of Cava and some tapas on the way back home after a day at the beach. Be prepared to squeeze yourself into the crowd and it might be a bit bustling but it is worth it. The cava costs approx. only 1€ per glass and the tapas are delicious.

Shopping in Barcelona offers lots of interesting browsing. Unusual shops can be found in most parts of the city, but those who want to be efficient should focus on Placa Catalunya and Barri Gotic. The amusing and gigantic department store El Corte Ingles is located by Placa Catalunya. Come here for the wares, but also for the people. Across the street is El Triangle, a grotesquely large shopping palace with a good perfumery and a Camper shoe store.
Calle Avinyó, in Barrí Gotic, is possibly Barcelona’s most interesting shopping street. This is where Z is located, the crazy interior store selling both kitsch and comical trinkets. Other fun stores include street fashion store Soda, Angel Gimeno specializing in trendy shirts for men, and Loft Avignon, which caters to the more sophisticated set. Herborista del Rei in Barrí Gotic, is the best choice for herbs and spices.
Visiting the La Boquería, half way down La Rambla, is something of a must. This covered market provides everything when it comes to food and the place is also popular for a lunch or a refreshing glass of cava.
The El Born district is also a good place to shop for food. Casa Gispert offers coffee, dried nuts and fruits and Tot Formatge is one of Barcelona’s best-stocked cheese shops.
For serious fashion shopping, make your way to Passeig de Gràcia, the parallel street, Rambla de Catalunya, and the surrounding district. You will find all the big international fashion names here, including Spanish greats such as Adolfo Domínguez, Armand Basi, Groc and the leather specialist Loewe. More economic alternatives such as Zara, Mango and Massimo Dutti are also represented. You can also find a good selection of trend-conscious designer fashions at Noténom.

La Roca Village

In the style of a traditional Catalan town, La Roca Village is an exclusive outlet shopping destination, 40 minutes from Barcelona, on the road to the Costa Brava. Discover savings of up to 60% on the recommended retail price of revered Spanish and international brands.

​Address: La Roca del Vallès, Barcelona​Phone: +34 93 842 39 39

L’illa Diagonal

This is an oval shopping centre drawn by Rafael Meneo, with over 130 shops. Many of the large international chains are represented, e.g. FNAC, Decathlon, Zara, Mango, Benetton, Diesel and Camper. Right at the bottom there is a fresh market and the grocery giant, Caprabo.

Spain’s department store colossus is both loved and hated, but successfully performs the main task of the department store, which is to offer most things to most people.
Designer fashions, their own low and medium-priced lines, enormous perfumery and make-up departments, leather goods in all price ranges, toys, children’s clothes, art materials, food and delicatessen, home furnishing devices, garden furniture, a tobacco department with humidors etc.
However, the best thing about El Corte Inglés is the service. The staff is always friendly and helpful, garments are shortened and taken in at no cost and without a murmur. And the customer has the unlimited right of return upon production of a receipt. This sells.

El Triangle is another shopping palace on Plaza de Cataluña. They feature a good perfumery and Spanish brands like Camper, Desigual and Massimo Dutti. When you are in need of a quick snack, the sandwich chain Subway sells tasty baguettes.

With all the right labels, Loft Avignon attracts trendy men and women looking for the latest cool fashion. Shirts, trousers and blouses from brands like Vivienne Westwood, Diesel and Helmut Lang are found here and the stylish designed shop tempt the customers to open their wallets.

​Address: Carrer de Muntaner, 99, Barcelona​Phone: +34 931 05 39 19

Herborista del Rei

Herborista del Rei, in Barrí Gotic, is the best choice for herbs and spices. The store has been here since 1823, and provides a somewhat odd experience. They also offer a wide selection of ecological wines and olive oils.

​Address: Calle del Vidre 1, Barcelona​Phone: +34 933 180 512

La Boqueria

This covered market, half way down La Rambla, is something of a must. The fishmongers deserve most attention—their selection of mussels, seafood, and shellfish is overwhelming. Stop by Petràs Fruits del Bosc for the best mushrooms in town. Then sample the fresh baby octopus with garlic and parsley with a glass of cava at the El Quim or Pinotxo bars.

Casa Gispert is located on one of the long sides of the Santa Maria del Mar church. This store has devoted itself to roasting coffee since 1851. Dried nuts and fruit, cocoa, spices and mushrooms are also sold here.

This is one of Barcelona’s best-stocked cheese shops with both Spanish and foreign varieties. Revel in the smell and taste of all different kinds of cheese such as Manchego, Gouda, Cheddar and Camembert.

​Address: Passeig del Born, 13, Barcelona​Phone: +34 933 19 53 75

Camper

In 1981, Camper opened its first store in Barcelona, today here are several boutiques and you will find one on almost every shopping street. The shoes are known for being extraordinary comfortable but still stylish and they come for both men, women and kids.

The history of this Spanish brand has its roots way back to the 1950's but the first Barcelona Adolfo Domínguez store opened in 1985. Today there are shops all over Spain and also worldwide. The clothes, bags and shoes designed by Adolfo Domínguez are stylish and elegant and there are collections for both men and women and kids.

Right on Passeig de Gràcia you find the flagship store of Armand Basi, another Spanish brand. It has been around since 1987 and today the collections, with bright colours and edgy cuts, though still sleek and sophisticated, attract an urban and elegant young audience of both men and women.

In a beautiful Art Nouveau building on the shopping street of Passeig de Gràcia, the luxurious Loewe is located. For more than 150 years, Loewe has provided men and women with luxurious well-tailored fashion and leather goods. This is the flagship store and it offers a VIP area with personal shoppers for those who need.

This world famous brand soon has a store in every mid-size town and in Barcelona you find several outlets. Here you find the latest fashion for men, women and children, everything from street wear to the more up-dressed look.

At Mango, the urban young woman finds everything from sleek work-wear to the fabulous cocktail dress to reasonable prices. Match your new outfit with the perfect shoes and accessories that you also find here. There are several shops across the city and one of them is located on:

Massimo Dutti has its focus on sophisticated business wear for both men and women. They are famous for their classic and elegant clothes and accessories made of high quality fabrics and leather, but still to affordable prices.

Featuring labels like D-Squared, Filippa K, Seé by Chloé, Comme des Garçons and Sonia Rykiel, this trendy boutique provides its customers with the latest urban fashion. The shop has a sober interior and let all focus lie on the clothes.

This is a Barcelona institution in the world of fashion. The family run chain has been in existence for more than a century, with a wide selection of designer fashions. Here you find brands such as Marc Jacobs, Prada, Calvin Klein and Gucci.

​Address: Passeig de Gràcia 6, Barcelona​Phone: +34 93 416 1516

Vinçon

This home furnishings department store with cult status lies next to Gaudís Pedrera at Passeig de Gràcia. This large shop with two floors features design furniture, art and products and here is the perfect place to find that memorable gift for someone you care about.

Colmada Quilez also has cult status. This is Barcelona’s most famous food shop with thousands of tinned products, dried goods, and bottles on shelves that run from floor to ceiling all the way round the shop walls. There is an enormous range of wines and spirits. There is also cheese and a delicatessen, and you are served at the counter by male assistants in striped overalls.

In the same genre as Mango and Zara you find Stradivarius. Racks with the latest fashion wear, together with high heels, ballerinas, scarves and accessories fill the shop and if you don't find your size, don't worry there are several outlets in the city.

Aeropuerto de Barcelona (BCN), Barcelona’s airport, is located 13 km southwest from the city centre.
Several bus companies serve the different terminals every 5 minutes before leaving for the city’s centrally located Plaza de Catalunya Square. A single ticket with the Aerobus costs €6 and it takes about 35 minutes to the city.
Local trains leave for Barcelona every 30 minutes. It takes about 30 minutes to the city centre and a ticket costs approx. €4.
Taxicabs are available just outside the terminals. Price is set by taximeter and depends on traffic and day and time. The average price is around €30-35.

Girona airport lies about 100 km from the centre of Barcelona, there are three ways of getting between the two places.
Buses will take you to Estacio d’Autobusos Barcelona Nord. They departure on a schedule based on the flights arrival times. The price for a a single ticket starts at €16.
A taxi to Barcelona city centre costs approx. €125 so a better option might be to stay overnight at Girona and travel by bus the next day.
There are also trains to and from Barcelona, but then you also have to organize transport between the centre of Girona and the airport.